The Weight of Knowing: Navigating Certainty in Latter-day Faith

How often do we hear, or even voice ourselves, the conviction that “I *know* this is true”? It’s a sentiment that can feel comforting, a bedrock upon which our testimonies are built. Yet, as Pete Enns unpacks in the recent podcast episode, this pursuit of certainty can become a subtle snare, a heavy burden that hinders genuine spiritual growth. He calls it, provocatively, “The Sin of Certainty.”

The root of the problem isn't certainty itself, Elder Enns argues. Feeling assured in our beliefs isn't inherently wrong. The trouble arises when we cling to that certainty with a rigid grip, refusing to entertain doubts or acknowledge the vastness of what we *don't* know. It's when questions and disruptive experiences—those “uh-oh” moments that shake the foundations of our neatly-arranged theological frameworks—are met not with open inquiry, but with defensive posturing and the suppression of those unsettling thoughts.

This echoes the familiar counsel found in D&C 121:37-40, where the Lord cautions against holding knowledge so tightly that it prevents further revelation. “Verily I say unto you, that ye ought not to pray that your feet may be plucked off from the altar, or that your lot may be cast in stony places, but that ye should remember to be humble in heart, and in all your learnings.” To presume we possess a complete and unchangeable understanding of God’s will, or His plan, is to invite stagnation and, ultimately, disappointment.

The Brethren have repeatedly emphasized the importance of continual learning and intellectual honesty. President Eyring’s teachings on the importance of “seeing the world through God’s eyes,” require a willingness to challenge our assumptions and embrace perspectives that may initially feel uncomfortable. The iron rod, as described by Nephi, isn't a static structure; it’s a pathway, demanding constant vigilance and a willingness to adjust our course as we navigate the wilderness of mortality. To cling to a fixed certainty is to risk losing our grip on that rod.

Listen to the full episode:

Enns’s insight regarding the nature of sin—not as a simple breaking of rules, but as a failure to fully embrace God's boundless nature—is particularly compelling. It’s a call to humility, a recognition that our minds are finite and our understanding imperfect. This isn't a denial of faith; it's a deepening of it. A resilient trust in God doesn't require exhaustive knowledge. It requires a willingness to surrender our need for certainty and to embrace the mystery of the divine.

Consider the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The father’s unwavering love wasn’t predicated on the son’s flawless obedience or unwavering certainty. It was rooted in a deeper, more profound trust – a trust that allowed for mistakes, repentance, and ultimately, redemption.

Let us, as disciples of Christ, strive not for the fleeting comfort of certainty, but for the enduring strength of faith—a faith that welcomes questions, embraces change, and trusts in a God who is ever unfolding.

What “uh-oh” moments have challenged your faith, and how did you navigate them? Share your reflections in the comments below.